7 bestProfessional Photo Printerof June 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
1
Epson Ecotank Photo Et-8500 Wireless Color All-in-one Supertank Printer with Scanner, Copier, Ethernet and 4.3-inch Color Touchscreen
Epson
9.8
2
Brother INKvestment Tank MFC-J5855DW All-in-One Professional A3 Colour Inkjet Printer, White
Brother
9.6
3
Brother MFC-J6955DW INKvestment Tank Colour Inkjet All-in-One Printer with Wireless, Duplex Printing, and Scanning
Brother
9.4
20% off
4
Canon PIXMA G620 Wireless MegaTank Photo Printer
Canon
9.2
5
Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wireless Color Wide-Format Printer, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready, Black
Epson
9.0
6
Epson Expression Photo XP-970 Wireless Color Photo Printer with Scanner and Copier
Epson
8.7
7
Epson Expression Premium Xp-7100 Wireless Color Photo Printer with Adf, Scanner and Copier
Epson
8.4
A Guide to Selecting the Best Professional Photo Printer
Choosing a professional photo printer is an important decision for anyone who wants to produce high-quality photographic prints, whether for clients, exhibitions, or personal projects. The right printer can make a big difference in the sharpness, color accuracy, and longevity of your prints. When shopping for a professional photo printer, it's important to understand the key features that affect print quality and usability, so you can match the printer to your specific needs and workflow.
Print Resolution (DPI)
Print resolution, measured in dots per inch (DPI), tells you how many tiny ink dots the printer can place on the paper in a single inch. Higher DPI generally means sharper and more detailed prints, which is especially important for professional photography where fine details matter. Printers with lower DPI (around 1200 x 1200) are suitable for basic photo prints, while mid-range (2400 x 1200) offers good detail for most uses. High-end printers (up to 4800 x 2400 or more) are best for gallery-quality prints or large-format work. If you need to print large images or want the finest detail, aim for a higher DPI, but for smaller prints or less critical work, a mid-range DPI may be sufficient.
Ink System (Number and Type of Inks)
The ink system refers to how many separate ink cartridges the printer uses and what types of inks they are. More inks (such as 6, 8, or even 12) allow for a wider color range and smoother gradients, which is crucial for professional photo work. Basic printers use four inks (CMYK), while professional models often add extra colors like light cyan, light magenta, or special blacks for better skin tones and black-and-white prints. If you print a lot of color-rich or black-and-white photos, look for a printer with more inks and pigment-based inks for better longevity and color accuracy.
Media Handling (Paper Sizes and Types)
Media handling describes what sizes and types of paper the printer can use. Some printers are limited to standard sizes like 8.5x11 inches, while others can handle larger formats such as 13x19 inches or even roll paper for panoramic prints. The ability to print on thick fine art papers, glossy, matte, or canvas is also important for professionals. If you need to print large posters, panoramas, or use specialty papers, make sure the printer supports those sizes and types. For standard photo prints, a smaller format may be enough.
Color Management and Calibration
Color management features help ensure that the colors you see on your screen match what comes out of the printer. Some printers offer built-in calibration tools or support for ICC profiles, which are important for consistent and accurate color reproduction. If you work in a color-critical environment or need to match prints to digital files, look for printers with strong color management options. For less demanding uses, basic color controls may be sufficient.
Print Longevity (Archival Quality)
Print longevity refers to how long your prints will last without fading or changing color. This depends on the type of ink and paper used. Professional photo printers often use pigment-based inks, which can last for decades when paired with archival-quality paper. If you are selling prints, displaying them in galleries, or want them to last for generations, prioritize printers and materials that offer high archival ratings. For casual or short-term use, this may be less important.
Connectivity and Workflow Integration
Connectivity options determine how you send files to the printer. Professional printers may offer USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or even direct printing from memory cards. Some also integrate with professional editing software for a smoother workflow. If you work in a studio or need to share the printer with others, network connectivity is useful. For solo use or direct connection to a computer, basic USB may be enough. Consider your workflow and how you want to connect your devices when choosing.
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